November birthdays get two birthstones to choose from: topaz and citrine. Both come in warm, glowing colors that suit the season, and both are durable enough for jewelry you wear every day. If you're shopping for a November birthday in Burlington, Mount Vernon or anywhere in the Skagit Valley, here's how to pick the right one.
Topaz Comes in More Colors Than Most People Expect
When most people picture topaz, they picture blue. Blue topaz is a longtime favorite, and it ranges from a pale sky blue to a bright Swiss blue to a deep, inky London blue. But topaz also comes in pink, golden orange, and clear.
A few pieces in our case right now show that range:
5.75ct Oval Blue Topaz Cathedral Setting Ring, 14k White Gold: a big, bright oval with cut-out shoulders.
Fancy Pentagon Cut Blue Topaz Ring, 14k Yellow Gold: an unusual five-sided cut for someone who likes something different.
Pink Topaz Princess Cluster Ring with Diamond Shoulders, 14k White Gold: proof that topaz isn't only blue.
Citrine Is the Warm One
Citrine is a quartz, and its color runs from soft lemon yellow to deep honey orange. It's a cheerful stone that looks right at home against yellow gold, and it pairs well with fall and holiday clothes.
2.51ct Oval Citrine Ring with Cut-Out Shoulders, 14k White Gold
Bypass Emerald Cut Citrine Ring with Diamond Accent, 10k Yellow Gold
Topaz or Citrine? A Few Questions to Ask
What colors do they already wear? Cool tones and silver or white gold lean toward blue topaz. Warm tones and yellow gold lean toward citrine.
How do they wear jewelry? Topaz is a little harder than citrine (8 on the Mohs scale, compared with 7), so both handle daily wear well. Topaz can chip from a hard knock, so a protective setting is a good idea for a ring that gets worn to work.
Ring, pendant or earrings? A pendant or earrings are an easy gift when you don't know a ring size. Our Floral Inspired Blue Topaz Pendant and 12x10mm Oval Blue Topaz Drop Earrings are two good examples.
Is it for someone sentimental? The Vintage Blue Topaz Heart Ring with Seed Pearls has the kind of old-world detail that's hard to find in new jewelry.
Caring for Topaz and Citrine
Warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush are all either stone needs at home. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and steam for topaz, and keep both stones away from harsh household chemicals. Some citrine can lighten after long stretches in direct sun, so store it in a jewelry box rather than on a sunny windowsill.
Or let us do it. Bring your jewelry into our Burlington store and we'll clean it for free and check the prongs while we're at it.
Don't See Quite the Right Piece?
If you have a loose stone, a piece that needs a new setting, or an idea for something custom, our goldsmiths can help. Custom work is designed with you and made right here in our shop.
Stop by Warren Jewelers at 1126 S Burlington Blvd to see these November birthstones in person, or call us at (360) 707-5444. You can also shop online, with free shipping on orders over $100.
